Fort Myers Approves New Downtown Farmers Market, Eyes Year-Round Operation if Successful

Fort Myers told its Economic Development Director to push ahead with plans for a Saturday farmers market during a Dec. 8, 2025, workshop. The market launches Jan. 17 and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April.

The venture might expand to year-round if it succeeds, according to Economic Development Director Steve Weathers. "We see this as kind of an impetus to bring more people to downtown, to the culinary district," Weathers said, according to Gulfshore Business.

Local Roots LLC, a Lee County-based company, will operate the market. Co-owner Jean Baer started the Sanibel market 18 years ago. The company now runs nine markets in Southwest Florida, including Babcock Ranch, Sanibel, Boca Grande, and Bonita Springs.

Bonita Springs holds the only Saturday market. Babcock Ranch stays open year-round.

The proposed site hasn't been finalized, but the consensus location would stretch along First Street between Monroe Street and Broadway, then north up Broadway to Main Street, Weathers said. Organizers plan to host 40 vendors offering prepared foods, produce, honey, crafts, flowers, seafood, smoothies, and cheeses.

Downtown chefs might include food demonstrations as cross-promotion for the newly designated Culinary District, Baer said. Studies show that for every 1,000 visitors, 27% also shop elsewhere downtown.

Council members questioned Local Roots' request for a five-year contract with three optional extension years. They asked about a shorter term. They also wanted performance requirements, such as keeping a minimum number of vendors.